The Washington Redskins' first big signing of the offseason happens to be a player that general manager Scot McCloughan knows well.

Ricky Jean Francois started 13 games for the Colts in 2014, recording a career-best 28 tackles and three sacks. Matt Kartozian/USA TODAY Sports

Washington signed defensive end Ricky Jean Francois to a three-year, $9 million deal with $4 million guaranteed, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The total value could be worth as much as $11.25 million.

Indianapolis had cut Jean Francois earlier this week in part because he would have counted $5.5 million against the salary cap.

McCloughan drafted Jean Francois in the seventh round in 2009 while with San Francisco. He started five games for the 49ers through 2012 before signing with the Colts. He played 26 games for Indianapolis, starting 23 -- but he started 13 games in 2014 partly because Arthur Jones was hurt.

Jean Francois, 28, recorded a career-best 28 tackles and three sacks last season for the Colts.

The Redskins' defensive line could be in flux this offseason. Jarvis Jenkins is a free agent, and two players have big cap numbers: end Stephen Bowen ($8.2 million) and end/nose tackle Barry Cofield ($7.7 million). The Redskins could rework their deals, ask them to take a pay cut or outright release them.